How to Book an Appointment at the Mexican Consulate in the US
Contents
Available channels to book a consular appointment
Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) offers several official channels to request an appointment at any Mexican consulate in the United States. All of them are free:
🌐 citas.sre.gob.mx
The SRE's official web portal. Available 24/7. Recommended for a first passport, consular ID and INE appointment.
Go to the portal →📱 MiConsulado SRE
App and portal to manage appointments, documents and pending procedures. Ideal for mobile consulate appointments.
Go to MiConsulado →📞 MEXITEL
Toll-free number from the US: 1-877-639-4835. Service in Spanish, Monday to Friday during consulate hours.
Call now →Official number: +1 (424) 309-0009. Quick way to confirm availability and mobile consulate dates.
Open WhatsApp →Step by step: booking through citas.sre.gob.mx
- Go to citas.sre.gob.mx from your computer or phone.
- Select "New appointment" or register if it's your first time.
- Choose "United States of America" as your country of residence.
- Select the consulate closest to your home.
- Choose the type of service (passport, consular ID, INE, certificate, etc.).
- Select an available date and time.
- Enter your personal information and confirm the appointment.
- Save or print the confirmation with the assigned reference number.
If you don't see any availability, the calendar may be full. Check several days in a row; consulates release new appointments periodically, often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Step by step: booking through MiConsulado SRE
- Go to miconsulado.sre.gob.mx or download the app.
- Create an account with your email and a password.
- Complete your profile with your personal information and CURP.
- Select "Schedule appointment" and choose the consulate and service.
- Attach the required documents in digital format (if applicable).
- Confirm the appointment and save the confirmation.
MiConsulado is especially useful for managing Consulate on Wheels (mobile consulate) appointments, where slots run out very quickly.
Step by step: booking by MEXITEL (phone)
MEXITEL is the SRE's telephone appointment system. The number is 1-877-639-4835 (toll-free from the US).
- Call 1-877-639-4835 during service hours (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm consulate time).
- Select the language (Spanish).
- State your preferred consulate.
- Provide your personal information and the type of service.
- The operator will assign you a date and time.
- Write down the reference number they give you; it's essential on the day of your appointment.
During peak periods (summer, holidays), the MEXITEL lines may be saturated. Call early or use the web portals as an alternative.
Step by step: booking by WhatsApp
The SRE's official WhatsApp number for consular appointments is +1 (424) 309-0009.
- Save the number +1 (424) 309-0009 in your phone.
- Send a message stating the consulate, the service and your details.
- The automated system (or an agent) will guide you on availability.
- This channel is especially useful for confirming mobile consulate dates.
Services that require an appointment
| Service | Appointment required? | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican passport (adult) | ✅ Yes | ~$130–$150 USD |
| Mexican passport (minor) | ✅ Yes | ~$80–$100 USD |
| Consular ID (MCAS) | ✅ Yes | ~$30 USD |
| INE voter ID | ✅ Yes | Free |
| Birth certificate | ✅ Yes | ~$15–$20 USD |
| Marriage / death certificate | ✅ Yes | ~$15–$20 USD |
| Consular protection | ❌ No (emergency) | Free |
| Power of attorney | ❌ No (walk-in) | ~$20–$30 USD |
Costs are approximate and may vary. Check the updated fee schedule on your consulate's official website before going.
Services that do NOT require an appointment
Some consular services are handled without an appointment, at the counter:
- Powers of attorney: Handled without an appointment at most consulates.
- Urgent consular protection: In cases of detention, accidents or deaths, the consulate assists without an appointment 24 hours a day.
- Signature certifications: Some consulates handle these without an appointment.
Tips to get a consulate appointment faster
⏰ Check early
Log in to citas.sre.gob.mx first thing in the morning. Consulates usually release new appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
📅 Be flexible with dates
If your schedule is flexible, look for appointments midweek or at less popular times (early morning).
🚌 Consulate on Wheels
If there are mobile consulate visits near your city, they usually have more availability than the fixed consulate. Use WhatsApp to find out dates.
📋 Prepare your docs first
Have all your documents ready before booking so you don't lose the appointment if a paper is hard to get.
🔔 Turn on notifications
Follow your consulate's social media. Many announce newly available appointments before updating them on the portal.
👥 Book the whole family
If several family members need services, try to group them on the same day or nearby days for a single trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Consular Appointments
Can I book an appointment at a consulate outside my area?
Technically yes, you can request an appointment at any Mexican consulate in the US. However, some services (such as the consular ID) require proof of address within the consulate's jurisdiction. For passports, you can generally process it at any consulate by presenting your proof of address.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you can't attend, cancel your appointment at least 24-48 hours in advance on the same portal where you requested it. This frees the slot for someone else and keeps your record from being marked as a "no show". If you accumulate several uncancelled appointments, the system may temporarily block you from new requests.
How far in advance should I book a passport appointment?
Since passports take 4 to 8 weeks to be issued and appointments can also take time to get (especially at high-demand consulates), it's best to start at least 3 months ahead if you have travel planned. In high season (June-August) the wait can be longer.
Can I go to the consulate without an appointment if it's urgent?
For passport or consular ID services, walk-ins are generally not accepted. However, in emergencies (imminent travel, stolen passport, a relative's detention), the consulate may make exceptions. Call the consulate's main number or the emergency line to explain your situation. For consular protection (detentions, deaths), the consulate assists 24/7 without an appointment.
Is the consular appointment free?
Yes, booking an appointment at the Mexican consulate is completely free. The official channels (citas.sre.gob.mx, MiConsulado, MEXITEL, WhatsApp) have no cost. Be wary of third-party websites that charge to "manage consular appointments" or "speed up procedures"; they are unofficial intermediaries.